With only 67.6% of Boltons passes finding their target compared to 82.4% of Arsenal it's little surprise that the possession stats are so high. But the 58.2% of territorial advantage that Arsenal had shows that this wasn't just an example of tedious keep ball - we did something with the possession. All four starting midfielders have impressive stats. There was hardly an area of the pitch from box to box that Cesc didn't cover. Even though Song was the holding player he got forward on occassions to good effect. Eboue played primarily down the left and Denilson down the right but the switching between all midfield players enabled anyone of them to pop up anywhere. It is a surprise to many that Eboue and Denilson can contribute as much as they have at what is admittedly still an early stage of the season. Denilson isn't a direct replacement for Flamini but with yet another assist and a goal I am not sure that Flamini was ever as effective as the young Brazilian has been so far. The 4 starting midfielders made 263 passes between them at 86% completion. The 4 Bolton midfield starters managed just 71 passes between them at 83% completion. If you add in the two midfield subs Bolton still only managed 90 passes from midfield during the match.

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The team looks good and composed... I cant wait to see Nasri, Tommy and Edu coming back... by Jan if we can hang on to one of the top 2 positions... we can buy some quality mid/def players... and can go for THE KILL.

Song is getting better every match. I think if he continues, by the next window we'll be saying Mathieu who? Song doesn't have the same tireless engine but offers A LOT more going forward. And full credit to Eboue. This squad is shaping up nicely- we seem to have ten attacking players, interchangeable. The four defenders attack less, and our strikers play more forward but aside from that it's a pretty open system.

2nd time posted....but I read everyday...almost religiosly... ;) ...I just wanted to express my delight in our game today.... we responded very well after bolton scored....something almost majical....you know ... we can't keep it at that level for 90+ minutes but when the team decides enough is enough...wow....honestly what we saw today was a trait that I hope really sticks they definitely responded well.. btw ..I really do love this team.... and for me if there is anybody that personifies The Arsenal to it's fullest degree...its Clichy....true professional in every way.... Im in love with what I am seeing in this TEAM... We are not perfect , we have some soft spots...our club is a close to perfect as you can get...... true football folks.....
just had to geet that off my chest... ;)

Hey welcome San Diego Gunner, and you're not alone! I also like how, on occasions like this, even the media pundits who consistently give us unfair reviews had to say "Arsenal play fantastic football", albeit reluctantly! Last night Shearer's and Lawrensen's faces were priceless!